Self-actuated bearing cooling flow shut-off valve

Abstract

A compressor assembly comprises a compressor having a rotor comprising a shaft with fan blades for compressing air. An air bearing serves to cool the shaft of the rotor. A compressor air inlet receives air for the fan blades, which is then exhausted from the fan blades out a compressor air outlet. An air flow path communicates air from the compressor air inlet to the air bearing. A valve controls the flow of air through the air flow path and has an open position permitting air through the air flow path and a closed position restricting air to the path.

1. A compressor assembly, comprising:
 a compressor having a rotor comprising a shaft with fan blades for compressing air;  
 an air bearing for cooling said shaft;  
 a compressor air inlet for receiving air for said fan blades;  
 a compressor air outlet for exhausting air from said fan blades;  
 an air flow path communicating air from said compressor air inlet to said air bearing; and  
 a valve in communication with said air flow path, having an open position permitting air through said air flow path and a closed position restricting air through said air flow path.  
 
   
   
     2. The compressor of  claim 1  wherein said valve opens following start-up of said compressor. 
   
   
     3. The compressor of  claim 1  wherein said valve actuates based upon a predetermined amount of pressure from said compressor air outlet. 
   
   
     4. The compressor of  claim 3  wherein said valve is in communication with said compressor air outlet. 
   
   
     5. The compressor of  claim 4  wherein said valve comprises a valve member received in a valve housing, said valve member actuable between said open position and said closed position. 
   
   
     6. The compressor of  claim 5  wherein said valve housing comprises a chamber in communication with said air flow path, having an opening to receive air from said compressor air inlet. 
   
   
     7. The compressor of  claim 6  wherein said valve member blocks said opening in said closed position and unblocks said opening in said open position. 
   
   
     8. The compressor of  claim 5  including a chamber in communication with said compressor air outlet. 
   
   
     9. The compressor of  claim 8  wherein said predetermined amount of pressure from said compressor outlet within said chamber causes said valve member to move to said open position. 
   
   
     10. The compressor of  claim 5  including a spring biasing said valve member to said closed position. 
   
   
     11. The compressor of  claim 1  including an air filter receiving air from said compressor air inlet. 
   
   
     12. The compressor of  claim 11  wherein said air filter comprises a J-shaped tube. 
   
   
     13. A compressor assembly, comprising:
 a compressor having a rotor comprising a shaft with fan blades for compressing air;  
 an air bearing for cooling said shaft;  
 a compressor air inlet for receiving air for said fan blades;  
 a compressor air outlet for exhausting air from said fan blades;  
 an air flow path communicating air from said compressor air inlet to said air bearing;  
 a J-shaped-tube in communication with said compressor air inlet; and  
 a valve in communication with said J-shaped tube and with said air flow path, having an open position permitting air through said air flow path and a closed position restricting air through said air flow path wherein said valve actuates based upon a predetermined amount of pressure from said compressor air outlet.  
 
   
   
     14. The compressor of  claim 13  wherein said valve comprises a valve member received in a valve housing, said valve member actuable between said open position and said closed position. 
   
   
     15. The compressor of  claim 14  wherein said valve housing comprises a chamber in communication with said air flow path, having an opening to receive air from said compressor air inlet. 
   
   
     16. The compressor of  claim 15  wherein said valve member blocks said opening in said closed position and unblocks said opening in said open position. 
   
   
     17. The compressor of  claim 14  including a chamber in communication with said compressor air outlet. 
   
   
     18. The compressor of  claim 17  wherein said predetermined amount of pressure from said compressor outlet within said chamber causes said valve member to move to said open position. 
   
   
     19. The compressor of  claim 14  including a spring biasing said valve member to said closed position. 
   
   
     20. A method of controlling air flow to an air bearing, comprising the steps of:
 rotating a fan blade of a compressor on an air bearing, the compressor having a compressor air input and a compressor air output;  
 receiving a portion of air from the compressor air input to the air bearing; and  
 communicating the portion of the air from the compressor air input to the air bearing when the compressor air output reaches a predetermined pressure level.